Panthers: For Damiere Byrd, time may be running out
Depth is no longer a problem for the Carolina Panthers…
When it comes to training camps in the National Football League, for some players it means a chance to increase their skills and focus on the upcoming season. For others, training camp is much more stressful. In cases like the latter, oftentimes positions are too deep to the point where players become expendable. In those cases, players are fighting for their jobs.
For wideout Damiere Byrd, chances are he will spend training camp trying to prove himself to the Carolina Panthers.
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In his defense, he was bitten by the injury bug late last season. He was placed on injured reserve December 26 after he suffered a leg injury returning a kickoff in the second half. He made it to the 20-yard line before a tackle did him in. Up to that point, he had played a pivotal role in the game, returning a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown, a franchise record.
Byrd finished the year recording 10 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, with a 31-yard snag being his longest of the season.
However, as it sits right now, Byrd faces an uphill battle heading into training camp. Per the most recent depth chart from OurLads.com Byrd is penciled in at the No. 3 spot on the left side. That leaves him behind rookie D.J. Moore and Torrey Smith.
I could see a situation where if Byrd has a great camp, he could potentially sidle into that No. 2 spot with Moore dropping to No. 3. However, given the fact that Moore is already the projected No. 2 receiver as a rookie, Byrd will really have to open eyes in the organization. His ceiling as far as movement on the depth chart is concerned is at that No. 2 spot, because I do not see him unseating Smith for the top spot.
The receivers’ room is crowded, that is for certain. Due to the fact the Carolina Panthers finally have the depth they have been missing, that makes certain wideouts expendable.
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It would be premature to suggest there is not a spot for him on the team. Even still, this training camp is very important for him at he looks to prove to the Panthers he can be an asset to the offense.